Wearing mask on your arm or under your chin : Means you're spreading germs

Masks and face coverings can prevent the wearer from transmitting the COVID-19 virus to others and may provide some protection to the wearer. (Source :REUTERS)

When it comes to bad habits, we can all agree that there are some that are pretty disgusting - like picking one's nose and flicking that rolled-up bit of booger in public or otherwise.

But it's not just a matter of looking gross. There are certain habits that could be an issue health-wise.

Take mask wearing, for instance. It is something we've all started getting used to. However, there are certain habits that also come with it - such as pulling your mask down under your chin before you eat or drink, or temporarily transferring your mask to your arm before you run or brisk walk.

Wearing your mask on the elbow or chin are both bad mask-wearing habits, and defeat the purpose of wearing a mask to protect or reduce your chances of infection.

PULLING DOWN THE MASK ONTO YOUR CHIN

The surfaces of your mask contain microbes, according to Dr Catherine Ong, a consultant with the division of infectious diseases at National University Hospital. For an infected person, the viral particles will accumulate on the surface that comes into contact with the face.

Furthermore, a worn mask is often moistened with respiratory and saliva droplets, which makes its inner surface more conducive for the virus to survive on than a dry surface.

A mask's outer surface is no better as it is covered in bacteria, viruses and dirt from the external environment.

Pulling your mask down to your chin means the external surface of the mask may come into contact with your face and possibly your lower lip, spreading these pathogens directly to your mouth and face.

WEARING THE MASK ON YOUR ARM

It may be convenient but it's not a good idea to wear your mask on your arm or elbow while exercising.

According to Dr Huang, when you perspire, you may inadvertently touch your face, which increases your risk of spreading pathogens from your hands or arms to your eyes, nose and mouth.

Conversely, you could be introducing your mouth to more pathogens when you put your mask back on. You are effectively spreading pathogens from your arms, which may have touched a lot of common surfaces, to your nose and mouth.

So what's the best way to keep your mask while you're jogging? The best option is to have a clean carrier to protect the mask from the external environment.

If we can carry our phone and bank cards with us, adding a small Ziploc bag that can be tucked into your phone case or pocket is just a matter of getting used to.

WHAT ABOUT FOLDING THE MASK OR STASHING IT INTO THE POCKET?

You'll be wrong to think that placing your mask on your wallet or phone, instead of directly on the table, is a more hygienic move.

Our wallet and phone are probably some of the dirtiest objects we own.

We touch external surfaces and then handle our phone and wallet, essentially rendering them fomites. The safest option is still a clean carrier or mask holder that is not exposed to external dirt and pathogens. Fomites are objects that are likely to carry infection.

And forget about folding your mask (no matter how carefully) before stashing it in your pocket. This is not ideal as the mask may get crumpled or displaced with movement.

DOES THE MASK’S MATERIAL MATTER?

Reusable fabric masks are not fluid resistant and may easily absorb sweat or any fluids that it comes into contact with.

So such masks act like sponges, absorbing fluid on your arm or chin, and transferring it to your mouth and nose when you put your mask back on.

Disposable surgical masks are fluid resistant and filter better than reusable cotton masks.

However, disposable paper masks will not have the same effectiveness.

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Source:www.channelnewsasia.com